Travel News: June 29, 2018

Thousands of tourists were stranded Friday as Bali shuttered its international airport following a volcanic eruption on the Indonesian resort island that shot a thick plume of ash and smoke thousands of meters into the sky, officials said.

The early morning closure of Ngurah Rai airport sparked the cancellation of nearly 280 flights to and from the tropical paradise with some 15,700 passengers affected, according to revised figures from an airport spokesman.

Many sweet rides have pulled up to Atlantic City casinos over the years, but this one was the King.

Joe Emanuele, whose vast portfolio at Hard Rock International includes securing music memorabilia, had located Elvis Presley’s Rolls Royce, bought it at an auction and drove it to the Atlantic City casino whose opening Hard Rock will celebrate Thursday morning.

It is one of two shuttered casinos that reopened Wednesday afternoon, ahead of schedule, after being cleared to do so by New Jersey gambling regulators. Hard Rock, the former Trump Taj Mahal, and the Ocean Resort Casino, the former Revel, are both having grand opening ceremonies Thursday.

As part of its effort to transform the Sheraton Brand, Marriott International has purchased the Sheraton Grand Phoenix and will embark on a significant renovation of the property.

Marriott purchased the 1,000-room property for $255 million, according to a statement from the company.

“The hotel will provide a living and breathing showcase of our new vision for the Sheraton brand, underscoring our commitment to restore the brand to its leadership position,” Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International said in a statement. “Going back to Sheraton’s roots as being the heart of the community, the renovated hotel will showcase the brand’s new focus on services and design that enable socialization, productivity and personalization, featuring collaborative venues and technology that enable unique experiences. The Sheraton Grand Phoenix will become a wonderful destination for locals and out-of-towners.”

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By: Matt Long

Matt has a true passion for travel. As someone who has a bad case of the travel bug, Matt travels the world in order to share tips on where to go, what to see and how to experience the best the world has to offer.
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